What Are Mormons’ Beliefs About Jesus?

When it comes to Christian belief, few topics are more important than the identity and role of Jesus Christ. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—often informally called “Mormons”—Jesus Christ is not only the heart of their religion, but the foundation of everything they believe. However, many people still ask: what are Mormons’ beliefs about Jesus? What makes them different from most Christians?

Here’s a breakdown of who Jesus is to Latter-day Saints. While some aspects are different from what most Christians are used to, there are a great number of similarities.

Jesus Christ: The Center of Latter-day Saint Faith

What is the Mormon religion center? First and foremost, Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. They affirm His divine birth to Mary in Bethlehem, His sinless life, His ministry of teaching and miracles, His atoning sacrifice on the cross, and His literal resurrection from the dead.

As the resurrected and glorified Lord, Jesus Christ lives today as a perfected being with a body of flesh and bone. Latter-day Saints believe that only through Jesus Christ can any person be saved from sin and death. His Atonement is both infinite and personal, providing the means for forgiveness, transformation, and eternal life with God.

In the words of modern-day Apostles in Mormonism: “He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come.”

Jesus in the Bible and Beyond

What is Mormon scripture like? Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus Christ is not only central to the New Testament, but to all of scriptural history. Before His mortal birth, Jesus was known as Jehovah, the God of the Old Testament. Under the direction of God the Father, He created the earth and interacted with ancient prophets, guiding God’s covenant people throughout history.

After His death and resurrection, Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus visited and taught people outside of Jerusalem, including those in the ancient Americas. This belief comes from the Book of Mormon, another volume of scripture that is part of Latter-day Saint canon. In it, Jesus appears to a group of people in the Americas. He teaches them His gospel and establishes His Church among them.

When it comes to Mormonism explained, their belief in the Book of Mormon supports the idea that Christ’s mission is global in scope. “Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold,” He declared in the New Testament (John 10:16). Latter-day Saints believe these “other sheep” included those to whom He appeared in the Book of Mormon.

A Restored Understanding of Christ

What is a Mormon doctrine that’s unique from most of Christianity? One unique aspect of Latter-day Saint belief is their claim that the original Church of Jesus Christ, as established during His earthly ministry, was lost following the deaths of the original Apostles. Over centuries, doctrines were changed or lost. The authority to act in Christ’s name and lead His church was no longer present on earth.

According to Latter-day Saint belief, in 1820, a young boy named Joseph Smith prayed to know which church he should join. In response, both God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him, marking the beginning of what Latter-day Saints call the Restoration of the Gospel. Through Joseph Smith, the priesthood authority, the full gospel, and the Church itself were restored.

To answer the question of what is Mormonism quickly, Latter-day Saints believe that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the restored Church of Jesus Christ on earth, with Christ Himself at its head.

Is It the Same Jesus?

Some people wonder whether the Jesus Christ worshipped by what is Mormon religion is the same as that of other Christian denominations. The answer depends largely on how one defines the term “Christian.”

Latter-day Saints fully believe in the Jesus Christ of the Bible. They affirm His virgin birth, His miracles, His teachings, His death and resurrection, and His role as the divine Son of God. However, there are theological differences that distinguish their understanding of Christ from creedal Christianity:

• Latter-day Saints believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three distinct beings, united in purpose but not one substance. This differs from the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity, which teaches that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one being in three persons.
  
• Latter-day Saints accept additional scripture, such as the Book of Mormon, which offers further witness of Christ’s divinity and teachings.
  

Because of these differences, some critics argue that the Jesus of Mormonism is a “different Jesus.” But Latter-day Saints themselves reject that idea. Instead, they see it as a difference in perspective, like mutual friends having different experiences with the same person.

A Living Christ

Latter-day Saints don’t just believe in the historical Christ. They believe in a Living Christ who leads His Church today.

This belief gives Latter-day Saints a profound sense of purpose and hope. They look forward to the Second Coming of Christ and strive to prepare for that day by living His teachings, serving others, and seeking personal transformation through His grace.

Why It Matters: Finding Commonality

What is Mormons beliefs—doctrine, worship, ordinances, daily living—but a way to focus on Jesus Christ? As Joseph Smith once taught, “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ… all other things are only appendages to these.”

To someone outside the faith, Latter-day Saint beliefs about Jesus may seem both familiar and unfamiliar. But one thing is clear: Latter-day Saints rejoice in Christ, strive to follow Christ, and find in Him the only path to salvation and peace.So, what are Mormons’ beliefs about Jesus? They believe He is the Savior of the world, the Son of God, the Creator, the Resurrected Lord, and the Living Christ who leads His Church today. Though their doctrinal views differ from traditional Christian creeds, their faith in and devotion to Jesus Christ is unmistakable and deeply held.

About Mormonism Explained

Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.

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